Sanjay Dutt decides not to seek pardon, opts to go to jail

Mumbai, Mar 28: Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt today said he has decided not to seek pardon and would surrender to go to jail after his four-week time is over.The actor broke down in front of media cameras, and was consoled by his sister Priya Dutt, Congress MP. The Dutts did not take any questions. Speaking to the media at Filmistan studio, where he had come for a film shooting, Sanjay Dutt, looking downcast, said: "I am a law abiding citizen. I have huge respect for the Hon'ble Supreme Court and I will abide by all the terms and conditions set by the Supreme Court. "I will surrender when the time (given to me) is over. Hon'ble Supreme Court gave me the time."I have not applied for pardon. There are many others who deserve pardon. With folded hands, I want to tell the media and citizens of this country that when I am not going for pardon, there should be no debate about it." (At this point, Sanjay Dutt broke down, and was consoled by sister Priya). "Right now, I am a shattered person. Our family is shattered. It's avery tough time for our family. I want to tell everyone that I have got a few days left. I have got to finish my work. I've lot of work. I have to spend time with my family, Please let me allow to remain in peace. "I love my country. I love the citizens of my country. I love India."Dutt has been convicted under the Arms Act for his role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings.He has been sentenced to five years imprisonment, out of which he has completed 18 months. Dutt will have to remain in jail for three and a half years. On March 21 the Supreme Court upheld Sanjay's conviction under the Arms Act. He was asked to surrender in four weeks to serve his remaining term of about three-and-a-half year.An estimated Rs.100 crore is riding on the Bollywood star who is part of upcoming projects "Zanjeer" remake, "Policegiri", "Munna Bhai 3" and "P.K.".The actor has about three weeks' time to surrender and he said he would be completing his work commitments before going in.Several members of film fraternity and some politicians spoke in Sanjay's support.Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and actor-turned politician Jaya Prada on Tuesday met Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan.Last week, Press Council chief Justice Markandey Katju wrote to the governor to exercise his powers and pardon the actor.However, other political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena opposed it, saying it would not be fair to pardon Sanjay.